Samoa vs Maori AB to be played behind closed doors due to COVID-19 new case.
(L-R) Dwayne Polataivao, head coach Seilala Mapusua and Jack Lam talk to the media during the Manu Samoa jersey launch at Sky City on May 28, 2021 in Auckland, New Zealand(Photo by Getty Images)
Manu Samoa management relesed the public statement on Wednesday announced that the Manu Samoa and Maori ABs match will be played behind closed doors, without fans in the stands due to the new Covid-19 case reported in New Zealand this week.
A confirmed Covid-19 case who travelled to Wellington over the weekend, the New Zealand Government has announced that the Wellington Region will move to Alert Level 2 from 6.00pm Wednesday 23 June until 11.59pm Sunday 27 June.
According to a release,all purchased tickets will be fully refunded. Ticketek will be in touch directly with ticket holders directly.
The match will be broadcast on Sky Sport 1 from 7pm.
Photo Credit: Manu Samoa
Manu Samoa Head Coach said, Vaovasamanaia Seilala Mapusua, said “We are looking forward to our first game in New Zealand against the Maori All Blacks, but disappointed our fans won’t be joining us in the Stadium. I hope they tune into Sky Sport, to support us.”
Māori All Blacks Head Coach Clayton McMillan said: “We are grateful the game can continue against our Samoan brothers but are obviously disappointed our fans won’t be able to attend but know they will be supporting us and watching via Sky.”
CEO of Lakapi Samoa said “While disappointed our fans won’t be in the Stadium to watch the game, we are still excited to be able to play this game against the Maori All Blacks. We look forward to welcoming our fans in Auckland” Vincent Fepuleai
Jason Hill, Director Westview Events added "While disappointed that we are unable to share this game with the Manu Samoa and Maori All Blacks rugby fans of Wellington, we respect the need to prioritize safety over sport at this time. We look forward now to welcoming everyone to our 2023 Rugby World Cup Qualifier between Manu Samoa and Tonga at Mt. Smart Stadium in Auckland on 10 July”